Calls double as families worry they won't get a Christmas tree....... while businesses forced to closed promised 'help is coming'
A Devon Christmas tree farm say inquiry calls have doubled from families worried they'll miss out on a tree during the second lockdown - while businesses in Torbay being forced to close for a month from tomorrow are being told they can expect help.
Last updated 4th Nov 2020
Marldon Christmas Tree Farm, based just outside Torbay, is staying open for the next month as it’s classed as a garden centre.
Boss Steve Gribbon said his business was 'very fortunate' but he worries about other companies who've been told to close - and is concerned about the impact of the shutdown on the wider local economy.
He said: "The phone's been ringing of the hook since the announcement was made by Boris
"There's going to be a lot of people who've suffered or are going to suffer."
Mr Gribbon says calls have increased as customers wanted to know if the Christmas tree farm will be remaining open.
He added: "I guess it is now coming around to Christmas - and if we can just get to the end of it (the lockdown), the light at the tunnel is Christmas."
The business says it's taken a range of measures to ensure it remains Covid secure, including timed appointments to limit numbers of the farm.
The councillor in charge of the Torbay's economy, cabinet member Swithin Long, says he's still waiting for the details of promised government grants - but has been told they’re coming.
He said: "I was on a meeting with Robert Jenrick, the Government minister for local Government, who said there are going to be business grants coming for businesses via local councils as before.
"We haven't got the detail of that yet, but as a soon as we get the detail about the eligibility criteria etc we'll be working to get those grants out to people as soon as possible.
"Like most councils we did have some money (from last time) left from the Government - it wasn't an exact science in how much money we got.
"We are calling on the Government, along with other councils, to be allowed to keep that underspend to give out to businesses on a a more disctretionary basis.
"We're lobbying them on that as we speak."
He says the area is also seeing long-term investment to help it bounce back after the pandemic, adding the second lockdown is 'potentially devastating for the hospitality and retail trade as this is a crucial time of year for them'.
"There is some good news coming down the line, we've had the Town Deal announcement for Torquay (£21 million) and we're awaiting for the bid of the £19 million for Paignton"
For the latest information from the council about coronavirus and local support measures click here.